Last weekend after we sat down in our pew at mass an usher asked Robbie if our family would present the gifts. After the collections basket is passed, a family carries the water, wine, Eucharistic hosts/bread, and money in a basket to the priest at the front altar. This used to create unimagineable anxiety for us as parents of toddlers. Each child wanted to hold something made of crystal containing wine or filled with the bread of Christ. However, now that the youngest Overlease is five years old, our worries are few. The children really enjoy this ministry.
We took our places at the back of the church and each child was given something to carry. As we neared Fr. Storey, our new pastor, Henry tilted the gold dish of hosts, and the big one that the priest using during the consecration of the gifts tumbled (in what seemed like freeze frame slow motion!!) to the ground. Before Robbie or I could do a thing, our quick thinking young son snatched it up and put it back into the dish with all of the other small, clean ones. I was mortified. We were kind of in the spotlight, as the saying goes, and it was not a good moment in time. Fr. Storey took it with a grain of salt and a chuckle and told us not to worry about it. I think he even made a little joke, but it was lost on me in my state of stress. The big girls realized Henry's error, but Henry seemed to wonder what in the world was wrong with Mommy and Daddy for worrying so much. Afterall, he picked up what he spilled! Once back in our seats, I whispered that if the bread ever spills again, he should pick it up and hand it to the priest separately. Yet again, this story falls into the category of things that I never thought to tell my children not to do.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
"When I grow up, I am going to live ALONE!!!!!!!!!!"
Last night I went to a parenting talk on Supporting Positive Behavior. Many of the women there had very young children and babies. I was the mother present with the oldest children, and I had been in the moms' group the longest. As I listened to the struggles described and strategies suggested I was struck by the notion that it really does get easier. The age of reason makes a huge difference in our success as parents. Children do reach a point where they do what is right because they know it is right. However, my days are not filled with smooth sailing. Last night someone was crying in frustration about elementary school homework, and somehow dirty dishes were again left on the table, rather than being cleared and put into the dishwasher. Patience is my constant prayer. Over the weekend Henry had a whole day where he felt totally outnumbered by his sisters. He was not a happy guy, and he acted out with crying and some screaming. Robbie and I dealt with this by giving Henry some time to cool off alone in his room. At one point, he articulated his utter frustration amazingly succinctly. He made the following declaration with a voice that rose in volume and intensity with each word, "When I grow UP, I am going to live ALONE!!!!!!!!!" His voice thundered. We ran into Fr. Larry that evening, and he almost fell over he laughed so hard at that story. He has two older sisters, so he tells Henry that he prays extra for him, having three.
Vivian is in birthday party planning mode. She suggested a roller skating party, and I told her that when the sisters did that they were older. I said that I wasn't sure it would go very well for 5 and 6-year-olds to roller skate. "Oh, we'd have a falling over party?"
Vivian is in birthday party planning mode. She suggested a roller skating party, and I told her that when the sisters did that they were older. I said that I wasn't sure it would go very well for 5 and 6-year-olds to roller skate. "Oh, we'd have a falling over party?"
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Fun Times with Pete the Cat
Today when I picked up sweet Vivian from half-day kindergarten she excitedly informed me that she is now an official member of Pete the Cat's Shoe Tying Club. She even received a License to Tie. If little classmates can't tie their shoes, then they can ask a friend with a license. Vivian had to demonstrate her shoe tying skills today to receive this recognition. She's pretty happy! She's such a big girl now.
Henry got a great book for Christmas (from me) called Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life. In the book quotes are shared from famous people throughout history. Henry did not recognize some of the authors. After reading, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighitng a hard battle." by Plato, Henry said, "Play-Doh, that's cool." I said, "No. Plato. He was a philosopher." My son replied with, "Cool, a velociraptor?" It was like a Who's on First skit. He did the same velociraptor thing with a Confucius quote. Henry's favorite quote was by Helen Keller. "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." I used Wayne Gretzky's, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take," on Henry after his decision to try something somewhat scary and new resulted in a really cool opportunity. I commended him on taking a chance.
Henry got a great book for Christmas (from me) called Pete the Cat's Groovy Guide to Life. In the book quotes are shared from famous people throughout history. Henry did not recognize some of the authors. After reading, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighitng a hard battle." by Plato, Henry said, "Play-Doh, that's cool." I said, "No. Plato. He was a philosopher." My son replied with, "Cool, a velociraptor?" It was like a Who's on First skit. He did the same velociraptor thing with a Confucius quote. Henry's favorite quote was by Helen Keller. "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." I used Wayne Gretzky's, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take," on Henry after his decision to try something somewhat scary and new resulted in a really cool opportunity. I commended him on taking a chance.
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Our Advent Experience
The thing I've sadly discovered about this family blogging process is that as the children get older, sharing our funny family happenings would often compromise their privacy. It has been months since I shared, but I want to share our advent experiences before 2015 ends.
The Nutcracker auditions for Olivia and Evelyn were in August, and they were both cast and started rehearsing Sept. 1st. Their final show was on Dec. 23rd. At times if felt like ballet classes and Nutcracker would take over our family's life. The girls rehearsed all those months with only two weekends free. Early morning cross country meets added to the Saturday schedule in the fall. Even with the blessings of carpooling for ballet, it was overkill. There are few opportunities for children in which they get to work so closely with professionals, and they absolutely love dancing in the Nutcracker on the grand Kauffman Center stage. The end result was spectacular. It was exciting to volunteer with my young dancers backstage and see the newly designed costumes worn by professional dancers up close. However, with our schedule so full, it was important to remain mindful of the true reason for the season.
Journey to Judea at Countryside Baptist Church was an evening walk outdoors through time and the land of Jesus, which culminated with the birth of the Lord. The actors were at about ten stations, and there were live animals among them. At one point a Host of Heavenly Angels somehow appeared behind us on a choir stand and surprised us with a song. The message of the night was of the beauty of God's gift to us through baby Jesus, and ultimately his promise of eternal life for those who believe. Henry said it was the best thing he'd ever done in his whole life, and he wanted to go 100 times. The weather was pretty mild, and their wood fires burning at each stop warmed us. Robbie and I thought it was amazing.
For years we have heard about Christmas at Resurrection, which is a lovely full-out musical production at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood. We took Mom and Mike. There were actors on stage with a choir 100+ strong behind them. A narrator helped portray the meaning of Christmas as actors performed while beautiful Christmas songs with over 20 hand bell musicians entertained us. There were giant screens on stage, and the sets were professional. The second act led us up to the birth of baby Jesus, complete with a live baby who didn't even cry. I was moved to tears during the song Mary Did You Know, as Mary's life as Mother of God was portrayed. The song began with Jesus' birth in a stable, then a little boy actor appeared (like Vivian). Before long a big boy Jesus (like Olivia) walked with his mother. Next, Mary was filled with despair as she watched her only son carry a cross to his death by crucifixion. It made me instantly mindful of the fleeting time we parents have with our children. The days are long, but the years go quickly. Tiny Tim sang a solo of Let There Be Peace on Earth. The small child's voice was slowly joined by the actors, and finally the enormous choir sang along. The effect was very moving. We were so thankful for the experience.
My father has a nativity set with a stable that he built for his mom. He earned paper route money to buy the figurines, and it has been part of his Christmas tradtion ever since. I purchased a plastic Little People nativity set when Olivia was little, and the kids had a ball with it. I've been on a search for the perfect set for several years, and this year I finally found one that I loved. I brought it home, and the kids were totally ecstatic! Their little hands were all over the camel and Jesus and the wise men, and I thought the pieces would break before we put them in the stable. When Robbie got home, they rushed to the door shouting," Mommy has a surprise!". Then the little ones said, "We have Jesus!!!" They were jumping up and down. I have felt so happy with this new and very special addition to our holiday decorations.
I have an amazing Catholic friend, Katie, who has enlightened me with many experiences for which I am so thankful. Among them, for our second time, we visited the Little Sisters of the Lamb at the Lumen Christi Monastery in Kansas City, Kansas to sing Christmas carols and share treats. The sisters come from many parts of the world, and the little brothers are monks. They live a life of poverty and their aim is to bring the Lamb of God to the poorest of the poor. They are so meek and kind. My heart was warmed by our time with them, and I love when my children converse and pray with them.
Olivia asked me to reach out to my friends to see if they needed her babysitting services, because she wanted to earn money to give her family members Christmas presents. I obliged, and she had several jobs before Christmas. The little kids made paper gifts and crafts for all of us, and that resulted in a trememndous number of presents under the tree. Henry strung jingle bells to make Evelyn a bracelet, and he wrapped it in a shoebox. Big boxes made an impact. Vivian asked to shop for a gift for Evelyn at the Catholic Book Store, because, "Ev is the MOST holiest person I know." She gave her a small statue of Mary and Joseph lovingly standing over infant Jesus. Viv made a book for Ev that talked about FAF (faith) and had crosses and Jesus drawn. Their hearts are good.
Our family hosted one of our parish priests for dinner right before Christmas. We enjoyed a meal and shared stories and prayers around our dining table. Robbie and I were so grateful for some of the points Father shared with our children about the value of parents requiring discipline and order. The children behave quite well, with the exception of Henry announcing that one of his sisters (whom he named to our priest) toots a lot. "Son!! Enough."
During a nightime drive, Henry saw a yard decoration of the holy family's outline in white lights. He said that he thought it was the perfect combination of the true meaning of Christmas, baby Jesus, and Christmas light decorations.
On Christmas Eve, Robbie went to the church early with Olivia to stake out a pew for our family. I stayed home to get the little ones ready. When Henry saw his suit and tie he absolutely flipped out. He threw a major, and extremely loud, tantrum just as Robbie was texting me that I needed to get to church pronto as he couldn't find six seats in a row for us. At one point, in an attempt to shake some sense into my out of control son, I said to our Elf on the Shelf, "Porton! Do you hear Henry? Make sure you report back to Santa about his behavior tonight." Henry, sobbing, finally said, "Daddy isn't wearing a suit." Daddy was wearing a lovely cashmere sweater, but Henry was right. I explained to my boy that if he communicates his thoughts to me in a calm and mature manner, then I am often willing to reconsider my original position. Tantrums only aggravate me.
Christmas morning, Henry appeared at our bedside at 4:25 am talking at high speed and in full volume. "Mom, there is a present in Santa paper wrapped in the shape of a pogo stick. AND...I didn't get coal in my stocking! Presents are sticking out. Remember my tantrum last night? Santa still brought me presents. Hee hee. I think that's because Santa understands little boys, and Santa understand that little boys don't like suits. Viv ran upstairs crying, because she thought she got coal. She didn't see any presents coming out of her stocking like mine." I snuggled him under the warm covers and told him to stop talking becasue it was not 5 am. He told us he just couldn't wait any longer to look under the Christmas tree. He was too excited for Christmas morning.
The children had breakfast with St. Nick earlier in December, and they gave him a gift idea. Vivian wanted a Hammerhead shark stuffed animal. Olivia suggested a snow globe. Henry said he'd like to get a Pogo Stick. Evelyn said she didn't know. On Christmas morning, Santa gave each child their special gift. Evelyn received an OSMO that attaches to our iPad for learning fun, and she was thrilled. She told me she really wanted that for Christmas until she learned the price. She's so practical that she withdrew her request. Henry and Evelyn are pretty generously sharing their toys from Santa. Evelyn is the official Pogo Stick pro of the family. She's pretty impressive.
Our church is still celebrating the Christmas season. The focus at mass was on the holy family. I continue to pray, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin in our family." Robbie and I just designed a large wooden sign of family values and mottos that an Etsy lady made for us. It was pretty funny when Daddy was getting frustrated during the process of hanging it, and Olivia said, "Dad, Number 7." Have Patience.
The Nutcracker auditions for Olivia and Evelyn were in August, and they were both cast and started rehearsing Sept. 1st. Their final show was on Dec. 23rd. At times if felt like ballet classes and Nutcracker would take over our family's life. The girls rehearsed all those months with only two weekends free. Early morning cross country meets added to the Saturday schedule in the fall. Even with the blessings of carpooling for ballet, it was overkill. There are few opportunities for children in which they get to work so closely with professionals, and they absolutely love dancing in the Nutcracker on the grand Kauffman Center stage. The end result was spectacular. It was exciting to volunteer with my young dancers backstage and see the newly designed costumes worn by professional dancers up close. However, with our schedule so full, it was important to remain mindful of the true reason for the season.
Journey to Judea at Countryside Baptist Church was an evening walk outdoors through time and the land of Jesus, which culminated with the birth of the Lord. The actors were at about ten stations, and there were live animals among them. At one point a Host of Heavenly Angels somehow appeared behind us on a choir stand and surprised us with a song. The message of the night was of the beauty of God's gift to us through baby Jesus, and ultimately his promise of eternal life for those who believe. Henry said it was the best thing he'd ever done in his whole life, and he wanted to go 100 times. The weather was pretty mild, and their wood fires burning at each stop warmed us. Robbie and I thought it was amazing.
For years we have heard about Christmas at Resurrection, which is a lovely full-out musical production at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood. We took Mom and Mike. There were actors on stage with a choir 100+ strong behind them. A narrator helped portray the meaning of Christmas as actors performed while beautiful Christmas songs with over 20 hand bell musicians entertained us. There were giant screens on stage, and the sets were professional. The second act led us up to the birth of baby Jesus, complete with a live baby who didn't even cry. I was moved to tears during the song Mary Did You Know, as Mary's life as Mother of God was portrayed. The song began with Jesus' birth in a stable, then a little boy actor appeared (like Vivian). Before long a big boy Jesus (like Olivia) walked with his mother. Next, Mary was filled with despair as she watched her only son carry a cross to his death by crucifixion. It made me instantly mindful of the fleeting time we parents have with our children. The days are long, but the years go quickly. Tiny Tim sang a solo of Let There Be Peace on Earth. The small child's voice was slowly joined by the actors, and finally the enormous choir sang along. The effect was very moving. We were so thankful for the experience.
My father has a nativity set with a stable that he built for his mom. He earned paper route money to buy the figurines, and it has been part of his Christmas tradtion ever since. I purchased a plastic Little People nativity set when Olivia was little, and the kids had a ball with it. I've been on a search for the perfect set for several years, and this year I finally found one that I loved. I brought it home, and the kids were totally ecstatic! Their little hands were all over the camel and Jesus and the wise men, and I thought the pieces would break before we put them in the stable. When Robbie got home, they rushed to the door shouting," Mommy has a surprise!". Then the little ones said, "We have Jesus!!!" They were jumping up and down. I have felt so happy with this new and very special addition to our holiday decorations.
I have an amazing Catholic friend, Katie, who has enlightened me with many experiences for which I am so thankful. Among them, for our second time, we visited the Little Sisters of the Lamb at the Lumen Christi Monastery in Kansas City, Kansas to sing Christmas carols and share treats. The sisters come from many parts of the world, and the little brothers are monks. They live a life of poverty and their aim is to bring the Lamb of God to the poorest of the poor. They are so meek and kind. My heart was warmed by our time with them, and I love when my children converse and pray with them.
Olivia asked me to reach out to my friends to see if they needed her babysitting services, because she wanted to earn money to give her family members Christmas presents. I obliged, and she had several jobs before Christmas. The little kids made paper gifts and crafts for all of us, and that resulted in a trememndous number of presents under the tree. Henry strung jingle bells to make Evelyn a bracelet, and he wrapped it in a shoebox. Big boxes made an impact. Vivian asked to shop for a gift for Evelyn at the Catholic Book Store, because, "Ev is the MOST holiest person I know." She gave her a small statue of Mary and Joseph lovingly standing over infant Jesus. Viv made a book for Ev that talked about FAF (faith) and had crosses and Jesus drawn. Their hearts are good.
Our family hosted one of our parish priests for dinner right before Christmas. We enjoyed a meal and shared stories and prayers around our dining table. Robbie and I were so grateful for some of the points Father shared with our children about the value of parents requiring discipline and order. The children behave quite well, with the exception of Henry announcing that one of his sisters (whom he named to our priest) toots a lot. "Son!! Enough."
During a nightime drive, Henry saw a yard decoration of the holy family's outline in white lights. He said that he thought it was the perfect combination of the true meaning of Christmas, baby Jesus, and Christmas light decorations.
On Christmas Eve, Robbie went to the church early with Olivia to stake out a pew for our family. I stayed home to get the little ones ready. When Henry saw his suit and tie he absolutely flipped out. He threw a major, and extremely loud, tantrum just as Robbie was texting me that I needed to get to church pronto as he couldn't find six seats in a row for us. At one point, in an attempt to shake some sense into my out of control son, I said to our Elf on the Shelf, "Porton! Do you hear Henry? Make sure you report back to Santa about his behavior tonight." Henry, sobbing, finally said, "Daddy isn't wearing a suit." Daddy was wearing a lovely cashmere sweater, but Henry was right. I explained to my boy that if he communicates his thoughts to me in a calm and mature manner, then I am often willing to reconsider my original position. Tantrums only aggravate me.
Christmas morning, Henry appeared at our bedside at 4:25 am talking at high speed and in full volume. "Mom, there is a present in Santa paper wrapped in the shape of a pogo stick. AND...I didn't get coal in my stocking! Presents are sticking out. Remember my tantrum last night? Santa still brought me presents. Hee hee. I think that's because Santa understands little boys, and Santa understand that little boys don't like suits. Viv ran upstairs crying, because she thought she got coal. She didn't see any presents coming out of her stocking like mine." I snuggled him under the warm covers and told him to stop talking becasue it was not 5 am. He told us he just couldn't wait any longer to look under the Christmas tree. He was too excited for Christmas morning.
The children had breakfast with St. Nick earlier in December, and they gave him a gift idea. Vivian wanted a Hammerhead shark stuffed animal. Olivia suggested a snow globe. Henry said he'd like to get a Pogo Stick. Evelyn said she didn't know. On Christmas morning, Santa gave each child their special gift. Evelyn received an OSMO that attaches to our iPad for learning fun, and she was thrilled. She told me she really wanted that for Christmas until she learned the price. She's so practical that she withdrew her request. Henry and Evelyn are pretty generously sharing their toys from Santa. Evelyn is the official Pogo Stick pro of the family. She's pretty impressive.
Our church is still celebrating the Christmas season. The focus at mass was on the holy family. I continue to pray, "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin in our family." Robbie and I just designed a large wooden sign of family values and mottos that an Etsy lady made for us. It was pretty funny when Daddy was getting frustrated during the process of hanging it, and Olivia said, "Dad, Number 7." Have Patience.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Summer, summer, summertime
We love the slower pace of summer, but we parents believe some morning structure motivates our children to be productive in anticipation of later fun. We created a chart that the kids are expected to work through prior to any screen privilege, playdate, or entertainment outing....pool/park/adventure. Today is Sunday, and we went to Saturday evening mass. At 6 am little Vivian's soft voice said at my bedside, "Is this a day I need to do my push-ups and jumping jacks?" From me, hardly ready to wake up, but cognizant of how hilarious that question sounded coming from a tiny five-year-old, "no." I then heard the excited pitter-patter of her fast feet on the hardwoods in route to the living room.
My mom and Mike stayed with us for about a week recently. One of the most stressful aspects of having houseguests is that when my youngest two wake up, they run to my my bedroom to snuggle me. They run to my bedroom around 6 am! It sounds like drums beating or even rapid gunfire. I talked to Henry and asked him if he thought he could walk so softly that I would be absolutely started when he appeared in my room. "Can you sneak up on Mommy and really scare me?!" It worked for one morning.
Henry is a mama's boy, and he has it in his head that he will never marry and always live with us. He modified his plan to include the priesthood, but I'm fairly confident he doesn't understand that endeavor would require him to move out of the house. He told me, "When you and Dad die, this house is ALL mine." Robbie overheard him tell Viv the same a day later. I'm glad he likes the new home enough to want it. He misses the small house and tiny room he shared with Vivian, because her presence made him feel safe. He sleeps with his sheet, and sometimes even his quilt, wrapped around his head in fear. He gets mighty sweaty, and I worry he will smother. Really. I've pleaded with him to leave an air hole for his face, and we all joke that this makes him look like a nun. Honestly, it makes the kid look like a nun!! It is hilarious.
Olivia spent a week at a Catholic summer camp, and she shared that the high point of the experience was when a few counselors prayed over her for Great Grandma Gloria. She sought out the experience after observing them praying with other campers. She felt very moved. I'm so happy that her heart is open to experience Christ in such a unique setting surrounded by other young people. I hope she recognizes the tremendous privilege. We will soon experience Family Camp, and that is sure to be memorable.
Evelyn has been her dynamic, amazing self this summer. She rises and immediately works through her chores chart. She's ALWAYS the first child finished. She's cutting the time it takes her to complete her 800 m run through pure grit and determination. In the last few days alone, she has independently, with no prompting whatsoever, asked if she could please clean and vacuum our van, wash the windows on our sliders with a million panes, sweep the floor, and fold laundry. "Mommy, do you need help with anything?" Amazing. She has also arranged a classroom in our basement, and she has hosted neighborhood students for a true learning experience. She was asked by dear friends of ours to work with their 3-year-old son, who is blind, on his Braille this summer. She lives for that one hour per week! Her heart is so big, and we are so proud of her.
Robbie and I celebrated 15 years of wedded bliss on July 1st. Olivia is capable of babysitting her siblings, so we enjoyed a lovely French dinner that night. Mom and Mike arrived the next day, and they let us get away for a day and a half. We stayed at a nice place in the Plaza, dined outdoors, took in several art galleries in the streets of downtown, art/antique/treasure shopped, and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I was with my mom in a shoe store recently, and a chatty salesman shared that as empty nesters he and his wife figured out that they actually really like one another a lot. Robbie and I are the same. He's the greatest blessing in my life. Without our love, we would not have our sweet children. We are so happy together.
My mom and Mike stayed with us for about a week recently. One of the most stressful aspects of having houseguests is that when my youngest two wake up, they run to my my bedroom to snuggle me. They run to my bedroom around 6 am! It sounds like drums beating or even rapid gunfire. I talked to Henry and asked him if he thought he could walk so softly that I would be absolutely started when he appeared in my room. "Can you sneak up on Mommy and really scare me?!" It worked for one morning.
Henry is a mama's boy, and he has it in his head that he will never marry and always live with us. He modified his plan to include the priesthood, but I'm fairly confident he doesn't understand that endeavor would require him to move out of the house. He told me, "When you and Dad die, this house is ALL mine." Robbie overheard him tell Viv the same a day later. I'm glad he likes the new home enough to want it. He misses the small house and tiny room he shared with Vivian, because her presence made him feel safe. He sleeps with his sheet, and sometimes even his quilt, wrapped around his head in fear. He gets mighty sweaty, and I worry he will smother. Really. I've pleaded with him to leave an air hole for his face, and we all joke that this makes him look like a nun. Honestly, it makes the kid look like a nun!! It is hilarious.
Olivia spent a week at a Catholic summer camp, and she shared that the high point of the experience was when a few counselors prayed over her for Great Grandma Gloria. She sought out the experience after observing them praying with other campers. She felt very moved. I'm so happy that her heart is open to experience Christ in such a unique setting surrounded by other young people. I hope she recognizes the tremendous privilege. We will soon experience Family Camp, and that is sure to be memorable.
Evelyn has been her dynamic, amazing self this summer. She rises and immediately works through her chores chart. She's ALWAYS the first child finished. She's cutting the time it takes her to complete her 800 m run through pure grit and determination. In the last few days alone, she has independently, with no prompting whatsoever, asked if she could please clean and vacuum our van, wash the windows on our sliders with a million panes, sweep the floor, and fold laundry. "Mommy, do you need help with anything?" Amazing. She has also arranged a classroom in our basement, and she has hosted neighborhood students for a true learning experience. She was asked by dear friends of ours to work with their 3-year-old son, who is blind, on his Braille this summer. She lives for that one hour per week! Her heart is so big, and we are so proud of her.
Robbie and I celebrated 15 years of wedded bliss on July 1st. Olivia is capable of babysitting her siblings, so we enjoyed a lovely French dinner that night. Mom and Mike arrived the next day, and they let us get away for a day and a half. We stayed at a nice place in the Plaza, dined outdoors, took in several art galleries in the streets of downtown, art/antique/treasure shopped, and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I was with my mom in a shoe store recently, and a chatty salesman shared that as empty nesters he and his wife figured out that they actually really like one another a lot. Robbie and I are the same. He's the greatest blessing in my life. Without our love, we would not have our sweet children. We are so happy together.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Florida Fun
Our summer vacation has come and gone, and June has just begun. We flew to Florida and spent a weekend in Ft. Myers with Mom and Mike in their condo. We got to see the lanai that Mom enjoys so much, and it was very nice. Their place has a water view of a pretty river, and we all spent a lot of time out there enjoying it. Saturday was packed with adventures to The Shell Factory to see animals and a trip to Sanibel Island's Bowman's Beach.
We loved our afternoon at the beach, and the kids had a magical experience pulling live 9-armed sea stars and many sand dollars out of the sand that was underwater. They kept finding bigger and bigger ones. We were shocked that the odd creatures with bristles did not give the little kids the creeps. Out on a sandbar Henry had a handful of large ones when their legs started unexpectedly falling off. I was approaching Robbie and the big three kids and witnessed Henry flip out and chunk several sea stars back into the water. Even Robbie said that the defense mechanism of rapidly losing limbs was unsettling. We combed the beach for neat shells and enjoyed the warm gulf water. Henry gave us a tremendous laugh in the restroom by discovering a plentitude of crushed sea shells coating a certain bodily extremity.
After mass north of North Ft. Myers in which the children were four of only five children present in a large sanctuary, we headed toward Tampa and stopped in Apollo Beach to visit Ryan and Kendra Conlon for lunch. They just moved into a new home with water access from a backyard dock, and it was great for the kids to see a different kind of neighborhood. Aunt Kendra had not met Henry and Vivian, so they got acquainted. From there we drove into Orlando and checked into the resort.
Santa gave Olivia the set of seven Harry Potter books, and Robbie agreed to read them with the big girls since they were a bit afraid. The little ones and I have listened to part of what has been read aloud (or on audio cd) over the last five months. Robbie got the kids the movies, so it has been Harry Potter world around our home since Christmas. After an intense push, we finished the final book in Orlando before we got to the condo. For Henry's birthday he received a magic Harry Potter wand, Harry's glasses, Quidditch uniform PJs, and a golden snitch (a special part of the Quidditch game). He has been convinced that he is almost Harry Potter.
Monday we entered The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. The children got to ride the Hogwarts Express train from King's Cross Station in London to Hogsmeade Station. The cool part of this experience was walking through a brick wall at the special Platform 9 3/4 (only visible to witches and wizards) to board the magical train. The areas at Universal looked just like the scenes from the movies, and the kids recognized it all. Henry used his May birthday money to buy Harry Potter's owl, Hedwig and a light-up broomstick. We went into a shop that sold the long black uniform robes worn by the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They were over $100 and would have been heat stroke inducing in the Florida heat. However, the kind sales folk encouraged Henry to don a robe and tie. He posed with his wand, and pure joy was on his face and shining in his blue eyes. He told us that he was almost fully Harry Potter. He just needed Uncle Anthony or Uncle Ryan to give him a rotten little cousin (like Harry's cousin Dudley). My little Henry Potter was in heaven.
In the Harry Potter stories there was a man named Ollivander who helped the right magic wand in his shop pick Harry. "The wand chooses the wizard." We entered Ollivander's wand shop, and from the group of guests he selected Olivia as the young witch for whom he would let a wand pair up with her. When she tried the first two wands she caused a thunderstorm and bells rang. When she was handed the Vine wand, magical music played and a light shone on Olivia's head. Her siblings were in absolute awe! It was a really special privilege since she has been so immersed in reading the Harry Potter books.
Although we routinely explain to our children that their souvenir on vacations in the memory of the wonderful experiences we provided (not more stuff), Daddy was so enamored by the Harry Potter books that he indulged the children in some spending money for use in the shops from Diagon Alley. They were so happy and grateful.
We went on wild roller coaster rides, and the thrills were many. Evelyn is a smart one. She'd let Henry ride with Robbie and Olivia while I waited with too short, 40.5", Vivian in the Child Swap room. If Henry entered the room after the ride shell shocked or crying, then she'd pass on riding when it was Mom's turn. There were amazing 3D effects with Transformers and villains from Spider-Man. We were put into the worlds of dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and many Harry Potter scenes. It was really fun.
After all six of us rode one ride we emerged into a high system of complex rope nets that were designed for climbing on various levels. Henry was beyond thrilled. He took off like a maniac running through rope tunnels. We caught him and told him to slow down for safety. However, in a minute he was lost. We split up to search. We looked and looked. We called, "Henry." I went to the bottom to wait at the slide exit. Robbie climbed to the top to search from the highest level for Henry's bright orange shorts and lime green shirt. No Henry. Olivia kept trying to leave me to find him, and I was scared to death we'd lose her too. It took way too long, and we were frightened he had somehow passed us and left the net area to quickly disappear into the terribly dense crowd in the park that day. However, as I strained to scan over my head into the layers of nets for Henry a worker guy approached with crying Henry and calmly said, "Hey, here she is." Henry told him his mommy had curly brown hair, a hat, a black skirt and pink top. He said I told him to ask a worker to call my cell phone if he got lost. I was so thankful to see my son safe and sound, but I was so mad at him for not listening, scaring us to death, and putting himself in harm's way.
The kids were thankful for us parents. They said they were glad we didn't smell like rotten baby milk, sweat, toots, or dog food. Honestly, the heat did not do many grownups any odor favors. The people watching opportunities were extraordinary. Evelyn is very straight laced in her opinions about wardrobe and bodily adornments. However, at age 9 she was more discrete than during our trip to Disney World two years ago.
We had fun at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for three days. We spent over 11 hours, and up to 12 in the parks each day. The 4 lbs. of buffalo jerky that Robbie made in KC provided us a great protein source for our lunches. Grandpa Mike, Ryan and Kendra joined us Thursday, and it was really enjoyable to share the kids' favorite parts of the park with them. They bought the kids Butter Beer, a cream soda treat with butterscotch frothed cream on top, which was famous in the Harry Potter series. We had a rain free park day, and the lines were short.
We spent two afternoons at the resort pools with a water slide and a trip on the lazy river. Our last day in Florida I convinced my tired husband to drive us an hour plus to Cocoa Beach. This was the sight of Henry's Memorial Day disappearance after chasing birds in 2013 in which Beach Patrol rescued him from walking away from our umbrella through the heavily populated beach crowd. I was nervous to tempt fate, but I longed for the ocean waves in that warm water. Robbie rented an umbrella, beach chairs, and two boogie boards. The children took turns trying to catch big waves. I think that last afternoon in Florida was my favorite of our whole trip. We weren't the least bit hot with the ocean's breeze and the perfect water. I could have stayed for hours and hours. However, despite our efforts to cover our skin with rash guards and my one-piece swimsuit, we all managed to get a bit red in one spot or another. The kids had odd abrasions from the boogie boards. On a nearby beach in the city of Cocoa Beach the next morning, a boy's leg was severely bitten by a shark in waist to chest-deep water, just like the depth at which we played Saturday. Shocking!
The huge difference with this family vacation was that the kids were old enough to be truly helpful with all of the luggage in the airport. We have good rolling bags with swivel wheels, and they each took charge of one suitcase. It was really a breeze. Robbie was not completely overloaded, and they followed us like little ducklings.
We all enjoyed some southern sunshine, time with loved ones, and wonderful outings. We are so blessed.
We loved our afternoon at the beach, and the kids had a magical experience pulling live 9-armed sea stars and many sand dollars out of the sand that was underwater. They kept finding bigger and bigger ones. We were shocked that the odd creatures with bristles did not give the little kids the creeps. Out on a sandbar Henry had a handful of large ones when their legs started unexpectedly falling off. I was approaching Robbie and the big three kids and witnessed Henry flip out and chunk several sea stars back into the water. Even Robbie said that the defense mechanism of rapidly losing limbs was unsettling. We combed the beach for neat shells and enjoyed the warm gulf water. Henry gave us a tremendous laugh in the restroom by discovering a plentitude of crushed sea shells coating a certain bodily extremity.
After mass north of North Ft. Myers in which the children were four of only five children present in a large sanctuary, we headed toward Tampa and stopped in Apollo Beach to visit Ryan and Kendra Conlon for lunch. They just moved into a new home with water access from a backyard dock, and it was great for the kids to see a different kind of neighborhood. Aunt Kendra had not met Henry and Vivian, so they got acquainted. From there we drove into Orlando and checked into the resort.
Santa gave Olivia the set of seven Harry Potter books, and Robbie agreed to read them with the big girls since they were a bit afraid. The little ones and I have listened to part of what has been read aloud (or on audio cd) over the last five months. Robbie got the kids the movies, so it has been Harry Potter world around our home since Christmas. After an intense push, we finished the final book in Orlando before we got to the condo. For Henry's birthday he received a magic Harry Potter wand, Harry's glasses, Quidditch uniform PJs, and a golden snitch (a special part of the Quidditch game). He has been convinced that he is almost Harry Potter.
Monday we entered The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. The children got to ride the Hogwarts Express train from King's Cross Station in London to Hogsmeade Station. The cool part of this experience was walking through a brick wall at the special Platform 9 3/4 (only visible to witches and wizards) to board the magical train. The areas at Universal looked just like the scenes from the movies, and the kids recognized it all. Henry used his May birthday money to buy Harry Potter's owl, Hedwig and a light-up broomstick. We went into a shop that sold the long black uniform robes worn by the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. They were over $100 and would have been heat stroke inducing in the Florida heat. However, the kind sales folk encouraged Henry to don a robe and tie. He posed with his wand, and pure joy was on his face and shining in his blue eyes. He told us that he was almost fully Harry Potter. He just needed Uncle Anthony or Uncle Ryan to give him a rotten little cousin (like Harry's cousin Dudley). My little Henry Potter was in heaven.
In the Harry Potter stories there was a man named Ollivander who helped the right magic wand in his shop pick Harry. "The wand chooses the wizard." We entered Ollivander's wand shop, and from the group of guests he selected Olivia as the young witch for whom he would let a wand pair up with her. When she tried the first two wands she caused a thunderstorm and bells rang. When she was handed the Vine wand, magical music played and a light shone on Olivia's head. Her siblings were in absolute awe! It was a really special privilege since she has been so immersed in reading the Harry Potter books.
Although we routinely explain to our children that their souvenir on vacations in the memory of the wonderful experiences we provided (not more stuff), Daddy was so enamored by the Harry Potter books that he indulged the children in some spending money for use in the shops from Diagon Alley. They were so happy and grateful.
We went on wild roller coaster rides, and the thrills were many. Evelyn is a smart one. She'd let Henry ride with Robbie and Olivia while I waited with too short, 40.5", Vivian in the Child Swap room. If Henry entered the room after the ride shell shocked or crying, then she'd pass on riding when it was Mom's turn. There were amazing 3D effects with Transformers and villains from Spider-Man. We were put into the worlds of dinosaurs in Jurassic Park and many Harry Potter scenes. It was really fun.
After all six of us rode one ride we emerged into a high system of complex rope nets that were designed for climbing on various levels. Henry was beyond thrilled. He took off like a maniac running through rope tunnels. We caught him and told him to slow down for safety. However, in a minute he was lost. We split up to search. We looked and looked. We called, "Henry." I went to the bottom to wait at the slide exit. Robbie climbed to the top to search from the highest level for Henry's bright orange shorts and lime green shirt. No Henry. Olivia kept trying to leave me to find him, and I was scared to death we'd lose her too. It took way too long, and we were frightened he had somehow passed us and left the net area to quickly disappear into the terribly dense crowd in the park that day. However, as I strained to scan over my head into the layers of nets for Henry a worker guy approached with crying Henry and calmly said, "Hey, here she is." Henry told him his mommy had curly brown hair, a hat, a black skirt and pink top. He said I told him to ask a worker to call my cell phone if he got lost. I was so thankful to see my son safe and sound, but I was so mad at him for not listening, scaring us to death, and putting himself in harm's way.
The kids were thankful for us parents. They said they were glad we didn't smell like rotten baby milk, sweat, toots, or dog food. Honestly, the heat did not do many grownups any odor favors. The people watching opportunities were extraordinary. Evelyn is very straight laced in her opinions about wardrobe and bodily adornments. However, at age 9 she was more discrete than during our trip to Disney World two years ago.
We had fun at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for three days. We spent over 11 hours, and up to 12 in the parks each day. The 4 lbs. of buffalo jerky that Robbie made in KC provided us a great protein source for our lunches. Grandpa Mike, Ryan and Kendra joined us Thursday, and it was really enjoyable to share the kids' favorite parts of the park with them. They bought the kids Butter Beer, a cream soda treat with butterscotch frothed cream on top, which was famous in the Harry Potter series. We had a rain free park day, and the lines were short.
We spent two afternoons at the resort pools with a water slide and a trip on the lazy river. Our last day in Florida I convinced my tired husband to drive us an hour plus to Cocoa Beach. This was the sight of Henry's Memorial Day disappearance after chasing birds in 2013 in which Beach Patrol rescued him from walking away from our umbrella through the heavily populated beach crowd. I was nervous to tempt fate, but I longed for the ocean waves in that warm water. Robbie rented an umbrella, beach chairs, and two boogie boards. The children took turns trying to catch big waves. I think that last afternoon in Florida was my favorite of our whole trip. We weren't the least bit hot with the ocean's breeze and the perfect water. I could have stayed for hours and hours. However, despite our efforts to cover our skin with rash guards and my one-piece swimsuit, we all managed to get a bit red in one spot or another. The kids had odd abrasions from the boogie boards. On a nearby beach in the city of Cocoa Beach the next morning, a boy's leg was severely bitten by a shark in waist to chest-deep water, just like the depth at which we played Saturday. Shocking!
The huge difference with this family vacation was that the kids were old enough to be truly helpful with all of the luggage in the airport. We have good rolling bags with swivel wheels, and they each took charge of one suitcase. It was really a breeze. Robbie was not completely overloaded, and they followed us like little ducklings.
We all enjoyed some southern sunshine, time with loved ones, and wonderful outings. We are so blessed.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Son, Oh Son.
Sometimes I joke that God gave me just one son because he knows what I can handle.
We have a certain night of the week in which Evelyn finishes ballet class, Olivia has to be at ballet class, and Henry (and his friend with whom we carpool) must be at a local park for soccer all at the same time. This creates a major challenge, and our timeline must be precise to insure timeliness. At the exact minute that the kids were supposed to load into the van, I heard a most tremendous crash inside the garage. It sounded like the whole house shattered. I opened the door to find Henry with his eyes wide and his mouth open in utter disbelief. Glass, loads of it, was shattered all over our garage floor. His soccer ball was on top of our glass recycling bin, and he had accidentally pulled the entire tub full of glass off a four foot high shelf. It crashed down, and by the grace of God did not cut him. My first question was, "Are you hurt?" When he shook his head no and apologized, I said, "Get in the van." I was totally calm. Thankfully, I had parked in the driveway, and the garage door was shut. We had no danger of glass in those tires. I then made the dreaded call to Robbie, as he was heading to his parking spot in the garage, and explained that the entire area was covered in shattered glass. When I texted a picture to my friend, she got a good laugh and responded that it looks like we drink a lot. I imagine I will always associate the sound of breaking glass with this event of Henry's childhood.
Henry started piano lessons in February after pleading to receive them like his sisters. This requires practice time at home. The girls use the keyboard too, and if they put their sheet music over Henry's piano book then to him it has disappeared forever. He's not great at searching for missing items. I was making dinner one afternoon at the start of piano practice time. Henry appeared in the kitchen in a rage, insisting that his piano book had been hidden and demanding that I find them. I was busy, and I didn't like his bad attitude. I said, "Son, do you think Jesus spoke to Mary the way that you are speaking to me?" He immediately responded with, "Mommy, do you think Mary helped Jesus find things when they were missing?" I had to laugh at his quick wit, but his quip required additional reprimanding.
We have a certain night of the week in which Evelyn finishes ballet class, Olivia has to be at ballet class, and Henry (and his friend with whom we carpool) must be at a local park for soccer all at the same time. This creates a major challenge, and our timeline must be precise to insure timeliness. At the exact minute that the kids were supposed to load into the van, I heard a most tremendous crash inside the garage. It sounded like the whole house shattered. I opened the door to find Henry with his eyes wide and his mouth open in utter disbelief. Glass, loads of it, was shattered all over our garage floor. His soccer ball was on top of our glass recycling bin, and he had accidentally pulled the entire tub full of glass off a four foot high shelf. It crashed down, and by the grace of God did not cut him. My first question was, "Are you hurt?" When he shook his head no and apologized, I said, "Get in the van." I was totally calm. Thankfully, I had parked in the driveway, and the garage door was shut. We had no danger of glass in those tires. I then made the dreaded call to Robbie, as he was heading to his parking spot in the garage, and explained that the entire area was covered in shattered glass. When I texted a picture to my friend, she got a good laugh and responded that it looks like we drink a lot. I imagine I will always associate the sound of breaking glass with this event of Henry's childhood.
Henry started piano lessons in February after pleading to receive them like his sisters. This requires practice time at home. The girls use the keyboard too, and if they put their sheet music over Henry's piano book then to him it has disappeared forever. He's not great at searching for missing items. I was making dinner one afternoon at the start of piano practice time. Henry appeared in the kitchen in a rage, insisting that his piano book had been hidden and demanding that I find them. I was busy, and I didn't like his bad attitude. I said, "Son, do you think Jesus spoke to Mary the way that you are speaking to me?" He immediately responded with, "Mommy, do you think Mary helped Jesus find things when they were missing?" I had to laugh at his quick wit, but his quip required additional reprimanding.
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